Protest group Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) - which was formed in 2013 and aims to promote sustainable development and protect green spaces in Worsley, Walkden, Boothstown and Ellenbrook - argues that the development would bring more traffic and air pollution to the area.

"A lack of schools and traffic chaos on Worsley Road has also been raised by protestors.

Statements from the council, residents and Peel will be made at the inquiry, which is open to the public and was opening at 10am today at the Novotel in Worsley. It will run until June 19, but not sit on Monday June 16.

Residents will also be given an opportunity to speak in person at the inquiry, with a series of evening sessions available.

Salford council is expected to present evidence first, followed by the RAID group then Peel.

In a statement RAID said: “RAID fully endorses the local planning authority’s reason for refusal and it follows that RAID will therefore urge the Inspector to uphold the decision of the city council and dismiss the planning appeal.

“In addition to the reason for refusal there are additional matters of concern to local residents that go beyond the reason for refusal expressed by the council, but nevertheless we believe are founded on valid planning reasons.

"A major concern to local residents is the impact of this development upon residential amenities, in respect of traffic congestion, noise, light pollution, air pollution and general disturbance.”

Christopher Katkowski, the barrister drafted in by the council has worked on several high-profile cases, including The Shard, Heron Tower and Battersea Power Station in London.

City Mayor Ian Stewart said: “We have hired the best in the business to try to make sure that our green areas are protected for future generations.

“We are a growing city and we need new homes – but Broadoak is the wrong place for those homes.

“The council has gone to court to protect Salford’s green spaces before – and we have won. We will continue to do everything we can to keep developers’ spades away from those green spaces.”

Salford’s Assistant Mayor for Planning, Cllr Derek Antrobus said: “The Broadoak site is protected by our local plan, as part of the Worsley Greenway.

“The planning appeal will be a battle between local decision-making and Peel’s reliance on the government’s presumption in favour of development.

“We are putting all our energy into defending the Council’s decision, which has overwhelming support from local people. We are being undermined by the government’s national policy which is encouraging developers to cherry pick green field sites.